DSIT’s Cyber Security Codes of Practice: Modular approach 

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has developed five codes of practice to set clear expectations for cyber security. These voluntary codes of practices are designed to inform large organisations and small to medium-sized enterprises (SME's) of the recommended baseline security practices to prevent and handle cyberattacks.  

By setting out these voluntary standards, organisations will have access to greater knowledge of current cyber threats with actionable advice and steps towards protecting themselves and their customers from the constantly evolving cyber threat landscape. The Codes of Practice are also intended to help relevant entities understand the standards they should expect from their technology suppliers and to enable them to hold those suppliers accountable. 

The five Cyber Security Codes of Practice:  

• Cyber Governance Code of Practice
• Software Security Code of Practice 
• AI Cyber Security Code of Practice 
• Code of practice for app store operators and app developers 
• Code of Practice for Consumer IoT Security 
   

DSIT has also included a diagram of how the code fit together - the modular approach diagram.

The modular approach  

To support the adoption of the Codes of Practice, DSIT has proposed a modular approach that clearly outlines the relevance of both current and future codes for all stakeholders. This information will enable companies to identify which codes are applicable to them, understand how the various codes interrelate, and recognise where principles may overlap across different codes. The modular approach will facilitate a faster and smoother adoption of the voluntary codes building cyber resilience across a larger network of key stakeholders.  

All enterprises with online/digital services are advice to implement the Cyber Governance Code of Practice as a minimum and become Cyber Essentials certified.

Impact on the sector

DSIT’s publication of each Code of Practice show the governments recognition of key areas that remain vulnerable within enterprises to cyber threats. The Codes are structured in such a manner for organisations to quickly comprehend whether said Code applies to them making the adoption of cyber resilience measures more streamline. Additionally, the Codes of Practice  show a government commitment to "secure by design" implementing measures to ensure that the UKs devices and software reach a higher standard of cyber resilience in par with the evolving threat landscape.  

While the adoption of the Codes of Practice remains voluntary, their publication has the potential to influence industry standards by promoting safer cybersecurity practices and encouraging the implementation of enhanced monitoring systems. These guidelines aim to support Boards and Directors in effectively governing cyber security risks, taking ownership of internal practices, and remaining conscious of those of affiliated entities. The proposed modular approach offers a configurable pathway to adoption, helping organisations better understand the relevance of each code and facilitating integration of cyber security principles across enterprises. 

For more information please contact:

Annie Collings

Programme Manager, Cyber Resilience, techUK

Annie is the Programme Manager for Cyber Resilience at techUK. She first joined as the Programme Manager for Cyber Security and Central Government in September 2023. 

In her role, Annie supports the Cyber Security SME Forum, engaging regularly with key government and industry stakeholders to advance the growth and development of SMEs in the cyber sector. Annie also coordinates events, engages with policy makers and represents techUK at a number of cyber security events.

Before joining techUK, Annie was an Account Manager at a specialist healthcare agency, where she provided public affairs support to a wide range of medical technology clients. She also gained experience as an intern in both an MP’s constituency office and with the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed. Annie holds a degree in International Relations from Nottingham Trent University.

Email:

[email protected]

Twitter:

anniecollings24

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-collings-270150158/

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Jill Broom

Head of Cyber Resilience, techUK

Jill leads the techUK Cyber Resilience programme, having originally joined techUK in October 2020 as a Programme Manager for the Cyber and Central Government programmes. She is responsible for managing techUK's work across the cyber security ecosystem, bringing industry together with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors. Jill also provides the industry secretariat for the Cyber Growth Partnership, the industry and government conduit for supporting the growth of the sector. A key focus of her work is to strengthen the public–private partnership across cyber to support further development of UK cyber security and resilience policy.

Before joining techUK, Jill worked as a Senior Caseworker for an MP, advocating for local communities, businesses and individuals, so she is particularly committed to techUK’s vision of harnessing the power of technology to improve people’s lives. Jill is also an experienced editorial professional and has delivered copyediting and writing services for public-body and SME clients as well as publishers.

Email:

[email protected]

Website:

www.techuk.org/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-broom-19aa824

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